Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Our Millennials: Don't Be Hatin', Be Hirin'

This generation has something new to offer.

Why the hype about the Millennials? Because our Millennials are important. The Millennials (also known as Generation Y) are defined to be born roughly between 1980-2000. As a Gen X girl, I've been a big fan of these kids for years. I taught them in elementary school and I have the opportunity to currently teach their generation in higher education. They serve, they volunteer, they ask controversial questions, they challenge content and get inspired by new technology. They have big hearts, big dreams, and even bigger personalities at times. All of which many of us enjoy.

But recently, I have read blogs and articles connecting millennials to negativity. They are told to "lighten up", "work harder", and "get out of their parents basement!" They have even been called the "ME" generation which includes labels such as "entitled", "selfish" and "lazy". In my opinion, this is far from the truth. On campus, I have listened to the Millennials talk more serving those in need, worrying less about spending money. They do discuss how anxious are about choosing the perfect college or career, and finding a job after college to match their skills. They just want to do their own thing. Why is that? They have been told they should love their job, and to be somebody. Many of them received much praise and pressure. Many of them grew up with helicopter parents. More importantly, many of them have been told since they were little that they can be ANYTHING they want, do ANYTHING they want.I'm here to apologize for that. I'm sorry, but that's not entirely true. You see, we all have dreams and most of us are working towards a greater goal. The goal varies and changes between people and certainly generations. But, the bottom line is, it's hard work and sometimes you don't get to pick the road that leads you to that greater goal.

We have all worked in jobs we have not enjoyed. We did it and/or are in them now because we need to have a job. Providing for ourselves, our families, it's our civil duty and blessing as a US citizen. Perhaps, we've led these Millennials astray by encouraging them to wait, wait for that perfect job. Well, it's not there. What is out there are jobs. Period. Jobs you take because you need them and they have the potential to provide experiences and open doors to a career you may dream of. Past generations have learned that often times an interest, maybe even a hobby takes place of searching for that job you love. If you are lucky, your hobby or passion forms into a job. But for right now, right here. take a job. There are no jobs? I beg to disagree. The Millennials need jobs and they need our help. Here a few recent quick facts about Millennials regarding the workforce and their finances:

75% of them will make up the workforce by 2025.

89% agreed they would rather buy from a company which supports social justice issues.

87% disagreed with the statement "money is the best measure of success", compared to 78% of other generations.

64% said they would rather work at job they enjoy which pays about $40K a year then making $100,000 at a job they think it boring.

43% shared they consider themselves conservative investors and 88% of them do their banking online.

There is a discrepancy between how they are perceived and who they are really are.Click here for full view of infographic.

It is interesting to read about their overall views on working and what they intend to do with their money. It's even more refreshing to see a generation passionate about social justice issues. Those of us from the older generations need to support our upcoming youth and avoid making general judgments about who we think they are. For example, many of them are not as technology addicted as you may think and they are more loyal and hardworking then some people give them credit for. Get to know them.

We all have had someone from the generation above us who reached out their hand instead of hatin'. These Millennials are going to make some significant changes. Changes which will have a direct affect on us all.

Let's make sure these changes are positive ones.

Watch this 2 minute video to help understand the myths and learn tips about working with Millennials.